River Planet: Rivers from Deep Time to the Modern Crisis

River Planet explores the geological history of rivers, from the first evidence of flowing water four billion years ago to the modern environmental crisis. It highlights the rapid carving of the Grand Canyon, the reversal of the Amazon, and the lost rivers of Antarctica. Early human civilizations sought to control rivers through agriculture and irrigation, leading to hydraulic mining, big dams, and the burial of rivers below cities. Rivers are now endangered worldwide, but the book celebrates people who preserve them, bringing hope to river ecosystems and communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Dunedin Academic Press

River Planet takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey through the geological history of the world's rivers, spanning from the very first droplets of rain that graced the Earth to the contemporary environmental crisis we face today. The river adventure begins with the earliest evidence of flowing water, dating back four billion years, and continues with the majestic rivers that adorned the first supercontinents. As the continents drifted and collided, mountains rose, and plains tilted, giving rise to the familiar modern rivers we know today.

Among the many remarkable cases explored in the book, we delve into the awe-inspiring carving of the Grand Canyon, the reversal of the Amazon, and the lost rivers of Antarctica. We also witness the catastrophic meltwater floods that occurred during the Ice Age, which may be linked to accounts of the Deluge. Furthermore, we witness the devastating impact of rising sea levels as the ice melted, submerging river systems and engulfing cities like London.

Early human civilizations sought to control rivers through agriculture and irrigation, leading to the development of hydraulic mining, the construction of massive dams, and the burial of rivers beneath urban centers. Unfortunately, today, rivers are endangered worldwide, and the book celebrates the dedicated individuals and communities who work tirelessly to preserve these vital ecosystems.

River Planet is meticulously crafted to be accessible to a broad audience, ranging from advanced high-school students to seasoned readers. It also holds immense interest for professional scientists and students of geology, geography, and environmental science. Through its captivating storytelling and comprehensive scientific insights, River Planet offers a valuable perspective on the intricate relationship between rivers, Earth's history, and our future. By raising awareness and inspiring action, this remarkable book contributes to the preservation and restoration of our planet's precious river systems, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for generations to come.

Weight: 978g
Dimension: 205 x 266 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780460994